| HOME >> BIOLOGY >> TECHNOLOGY |
Researchers from Monash University have designed a nano-sized "trojan horse" particle to ensure healing antioxidants can be better absorbed by the human body.
Dr Ken Ng and Dr Ian Larson from the University's Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences have designed a nanoparticle, one thousandth the thickness of a human hair, that protects antioxidants from being destroyed in the gut and ensures a better chance of them being absorbed in the digestive tract.
Antioxidants are known to neutralise the harmful effect of free radicals and other reactive chemical species that are constantly generated by our body and are thought to promote better health.
Normally our body's own antioxidant defence is sufficient, but in high-risk individuals, such as those with a poor diet or those at risk of developing atherosclerosis, diabetes or Alzheimer's disease, a nutritional source of antioxidants is required.
Dr Larson said orally delivered antioxidants were easily destroyed by acids and enzymes in the human body, with only a small percentage of what is consumed actually being absorbed.
The solution is to design a tiny sponge-like chitosan biopolymeric nanoparticle as a protective vehicle for antioxidants. Chitosan is a natural substance found in crab shells.
"Antioxidants sit within this tiny trojan horse, protecting it from attack from digestive juices in the stomach," Dr Larson said.
"Once in the small intestine the nanoparticle gets sticky and bonds to the intestinal wall. It then leaks its contents directly into the intestinal cells, which allows them to be absorbed directly into the blood stream.
"We hope that by mastering this technique, drugs and supplements also vulnerable to the digestive process can be better absorbed by the human body."
The research project will proceed to trials early in 2009.
Dr Ng said although the research was still in its early stages, the longer
'/>"/>
| Contact: Shaunnagh O'Loughlin shaunnagh.o'loughlin@adm.monash.edu.au 61-399-034-843 Monash University Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology technology :
1. Toward worlds smallest radio: nano-sized detector turns radio waves into music
2. Nano-sized electronic circuit promises bright view of early universe
3. Penn scientists carve functional nanoribbons using super-heated, nano-sized particles of iron
4. Seahorse Bioscience Appoints Former Molecular Devices Executive Dr. Joseph D. Keegan to Board of Directors
5. Seahorse Bioscience Receives Poster Award from the European Association for the Study of Obesity
6. Salugen Announces the U.S. Launch of GenoTrim - a DNA Customized Nutritional Solution for Weight Management
7. BitWine (TM) Nutrition Advisors Network Expands Roster of Licensed Dietitians and Nutritionists
8. Salugen to Present at Nutrition Capital Networks First In-Person Investor Meeting
9. CNCA Exceeds Standards in Nutritional Supplement Quality, Protects Public
10. Pilot Therapeutics Announces New Executive Team with Extensive Experience Creating New Health and Nutrition Businesses
11. Salugen Expands U.S. Distribution and Announces a Partnership with DNA Dimensions to Bring DNA Customized Nutritional Solutions to Metro Detroit Area
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |